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Letter to Editor
May 26, 1792
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
A letter advocating for public schools in the United States, arguing that knowledge among the people is essential for preserving republican government and liberty, warning that ignorance leads to the downfall of republics.
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FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
A republican government is of all modes undoubtedly the best. The
essential mark and principal characteristic of such a government,
is, that the people are governed by laws enacted by their own
representatives. Under this character, all men surely will agree
to prefer a republican mode. My education, habits and reflections,
have so riveted my attachments, that it would be difficult for me
to subdue them so far as to live contentedly under any other. I
should feel a want of that firm ground of security which an
American treads on. Like an inhabitant of Calabria, which is often
shaken by earthquakes, I should think myself on a thin crust of
earth, walking over caverns of sulphur. For a despotic government
can neither enjoy safety, nor give it. Accordingly, the zeal of
patriots and philosophers to preserve republican government, is
not less rational than ardent and universal. The good sense and
virtue of the world seem to be all on the same side. The means
which tend to perpetuate this blessing to the citizens of the
United States, cannot be too diligently sought, nor too firmly
established. Knowledge among the great body of the people, is
worth every other security of liberty. It is not only the first
and best security, but it is absolutely essential. There is no
safety without it. An ignorant free people! a solecism. Banish
knowledge from a republic—the soul leaves the body—the inert mass
will soon corrupt. It is the strength of the body politic—without
it, like Sampson shorn of his hair, it is bound by the weak, and
despoiled by the profligate. Every school-house protects liberty
more effectually than a fort, or a regiment guards the
frontiers.—Why then is it not the first care of every American
patriot to provide for schools. Year after year passes away, and
this work, which it takes a generation to accomplish, is
neglected. O mighty ignorance, that hast erected empires and
levelled republics with the dust, we fear thou wilt outlive all
thy enemies!
PHILO.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
A republican government is of all modes undoubtedly the best. The
essential mark and principal characteristic of such a government,
is, that the people are governed by laws enacted by their own
representatives. Under this character, all men surely will agree
to prefer a republican mode. My education, habits and reflections,
have so riveted my attachments, that it would be difficult for me
to subdue them so far as to live contentedly under any other. I
should feel a want of that firm ground of security which an
American treads on. Like an inhabitant of Calabria, which is often
shaken by earthquakes, I should think myself on a thin crust of
earth, walking over caverns of sulphur. For a despotic government
can neither enjoy safety, nor give it. Accordingly, the zeal of
patriots and philosophers to preserve republican government, is
not less rational than ardent and universal. The good sense and
virtue of the world seem to be all on the same side. The means
which tend to perpetuate this blessing to the citizens of the
United States, cannot be too diligently sought, nor too firmly
established. Knowledge among the great body of the people, is
worth every other security of liberty. It is not only the first
and best security, but it is absolutely essential. There is no
safety without it. An ignorant free people! a solecism. Banish
knowledge from a republic—the soul leaves the body—the inert mass
will soon corrupt. It is the strength of the body politic—without
it, like Sampson shorn of his hair, it is bound by the weak, and
despoiled by the profligate. Every school-house protects liberty
more effectually than a fort, or a regiment guards the
frontiers.—Why then is it not the first care of every American
patriot to provide for schools. Year after year passes away, and
this work, which it takes a generation to accomplish, is
neglected. O mighty ignorance, that hast erected empires and
levelled republics with the dust, we fear thou wilt outlive all
thy enemies!
PHILO.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Philosophical
Ethical Moral
What themes does it cover?
Education
Politics
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Public Schools
Republican Government
Knowledge Liberty
Ignorance Danger
American Patriots
Education Security
What entities or persons were involved?
Philo.
Gazette Of The United States
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Philo.
Recipient
Gazette Of The United States
Main Argument
knowledge through public schools is essential for securing liberty in a republican government; without it, republics fall to ignorance and despotism, and patriots must prioritize establishing schools.
Notable Details
Comparison Of Republican Security To Firm Ground Vs. Despotic Instability Like Calabria Earthquakes
Analogy Of Knowledge As The Soul Of The Body Politic, Without Which It Corrupts Like Sampson Shorn Of His Hair
Every School House Protects Liberty More Than A Fort Or Regiment